Darryl Thelen

Darryl Thelen is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's College of Engineering, with additional affiliation in Biomedical Engineering. He directs the neuromuscular biomechanics lab developing computational models, wearable sensors, and dynamic imaging protocols to investigate musculoskeletal tissues for clinical applications in rehabilitation, orthopedics, and sports medicine. His research is supported by NIH, NSF, and private foundations.

Education:

• PhD, University of Michigan, 1992
• MS, University of Michigan, 1988
• BS, Michigan State University, 1987

Professor Thelen's research focuses on human movement dynamics, wearable sensor development, neuromuscular adaptation across age and pathology, and soft tissue mechanics imaging. His work bridges engineering with clinical practice to create tools for real-world movement analysis, particularly advancing tendon mechanics assessment through shear wave elastography and novel tensiometry methods. Recent innovations target Achilles tendon loading during dynamic activities like running.

His 2023-2024 publications reveal a concentrated trend in tendon biomechanics, especially Achilles tendon analysis using shear wave propagation and ultrasound-tensiometry. The research spans fundamental tissue mechanics to wearable sensor applications, enabling non-invasive kinetic assessment during natural movement and addressing clinical challenges in sports medicine and rehabilitation.

Scientific Awards:

• 2022 Journal of Biomechanics Award Finalist (Nominated)
• 2021 American Society of Biomechanics Clinical Biomechanics Best Paper Award
• 2020 John Bollinger Chair of Mechanical Engineering
• 2019 Postdoctoral Mentor Award
• 2018 Bernard A. and Frances M. Weideman Professorship
• Multiple ASME/ASB Fellowships and Best Paper Awards (2013-2017)
• 1997 NSF CAREER Award

Professor Thelen mentors graduate students through research courses (ME 489/491, ME 890, BME 790) and received the 2019 Postdoctoral Mentor Award. His NIH/NSF-funded research translates into clinical tools, with recent work on high-throughput computing for tendon shear waves (Dec 2023) and exosuit-enabling wearable sensors (Oct 2022). He directs the neuromuscular biomechanics lab focused on developing integrated solutions for musculoskeletal assessment across rehabilitation, orthopedics, and sports medicine applications.